THE year began with us ready to put a forgettable one behind us. We were unaware of what was to come.
My interactions with our community has shown high levels of resilience, determination, compassion and adaptability as well as an incredible level of support for one another.
We should be collectively proud of how we have managed this year.
We were reminded how great Australians can be at the start of our second lock down, when we watched our Olympians and Paralympians excel in Tokyo.
What we did not realise then was that NSW would put in a world’s best performance in vaccination rates which has allowed us to return to a life resembling normality.
The NSW Government has significantly invested in programs to restart our economy damaged by the pandemic and, at a local community level, has invested in organisations and initiatives that improve quality of life, physical and mental wellbeing and education. These have included:
- The Community Building Partnership Program providing $400,000 for 20 local schools, and community and sporting organisations to improve infrastructure and facilities;
- The Local Sport Grant Program for local sporting organisations to increase female participation in sports, improve accessibility and for training and equipment;
- The Everyone Can Play Program with $340,000 for new and upgraded accessible and inclusive play spaces;
- Promoting environmental awareness and waste reduction through the Sustainable Schools Grant Program.
- Celebrating seniors and providing social connection through the Senior Festival Grants Program, allowing organisations to host events and provide services;
- Encouraging multicultural accessibility through local communities programs, to enable initiatives, events and services; and
- Continuing major local infrastructure projects by upgrading the Pacific Highway and construction at train stations to ensure accessibility for seniors, parents and carers with prams and those with disability.
It is time for us to come out of our shell, be with friends and family and have some fun this summer. I hope that you have a refreshing, relaxing and Merry Christmas and a happy 2022.